a leather living room set with a dark brown coffee table in the middle

Leather Care 101: How to Keep Your Leather Furniture Beautiful


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If decorating your home has you scratching your head, you are not alone. We’ve worked with tons of customers who simply don’t know where to begin when it comes to accessorizing their space.

Leather furniture adds a beautiful touch to any room — but how do you keep it looking its best? We’ve received this question from many of our customers, and we are here to help!

Different types of leather require different care

Before we dive in, be aware that not all leathers are created equal. The furniture market is flooded with subpar bonded and split-grain leathers which will break down and tear over time — regardless of how well you care for them. Our store only carries 100% top grain leathers, which are the most durable and beautiful part of the hide. Quality leathers are remarkably cleanable and repairable, making them a great choice for homes with kids and pets.

So what should your care routine look like for your leather upholstery? Leather should be cleaned with a quality leather oil or conditioner approximately every 6 months. This process protects the hide from drying out and helps to remove body oils and any other residue from the surface. Leather contains its own natural moisture, but over time the hide will dry out and start to crack if it is not conditioned regularly.

When you condition the leather, be particularly thorough cleaning the arm rests and head rest, as these are the areas that experience the most wear and exposure to body oils.

Additionally, keep your upholstery away from direct sunlight, as UV light is extremely drying for leather hides. If the layout of your home doesn’t allow you to keep your furniture out of direct sun, then we recommend drawing your curtains or putting throw blankets over the leather during the brightest part of the day.

Cleaning leather is simple, but what can you do if it gets torn or punctured? Thankfully, top-grain leather is very durable and resistant to tearing (if it is properly conditioned). If a tear does occur, however, leather can be repaired. Simply contact your local leather repair professional as soon as the damage occurs and refrain from using your furniture until the repair is finished.

At Reid’s Fine Furnishings, we are here as a resource even after your furniture is in your home. If you are unsure where to turn for leather care supplies and resources, our team is here to help. Our store carries leather cleaners and conditioners, and we can also recommend leather repair professionals if needed. Visit our Roanoke showroom today to learn more about the benefits and beauty of leather furniture.

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